Search form

You are here

Home » The First Successful Transfer of DNA Sequence Over the Ethereum Blockchain

The First Successful Transfer of DNA Sequence Over the Ethereum Blockchain

April 15, 2018

DNAtix has completed the first Proof Of Concept (POC) test by transferring the complete genome sequence of a virus - Enterobacteria phage phiX174 sensu lato - over the Ethereum Blockchain. The bacteria phage, a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) virus and the first DNA-based genome to be sequenced.

The genome of humans is comprised of about 3 billion base pairs (letters) which equals approx 700 megabytes (processed and compressed genome) to ~100 gigabytes (raw genome read out). Even after applying DNA compression methods and focusing on the differences (E.g. mutations/SNPs) between the sequenced DNA and a reference sequence, the size of the data is still too large to be efficiently supported by current blockchain technologies.

DNAtix's team has developed proprietary DNA compression algorithms allowing a 75% reduction of DNA sequence size by implementing a Python script. The team is working on improving the algorithm further, targeting a 99% reduction in size.

"Transferring the sequence of a virus, which in terms of size of genetic data of a living organisms is considered small, is just the first step," says, Dr. Tal Sines, the company's CSO & Co-founder, a Weizmann Institute's graduate with a Ph.D in molecular biology. "Your DNA is the key to improve your life style and healthcare."

By developing the ability to transfer large amounts of DNA data on a blockchain in a secure and anonymous way, the company's vision is to bring a new world of genetic possibilities which will allow for advancements in research, developments of treatments, and cutting-edge personalized and preventive medicine.

The company’s vision includes allowing users to open accounts, order tests, and receive results anonymously. It also includes storing and providing access to service providers securely and anonymously.